NEW YORK – We can call FAU the mecca of men’s basketball right now.
The ninth-seeded Owls (35-3) punched their ticket to the Final Four for the first time in school history after holding off the third-seeded Kansas State Wildcats (29-7 final record) in a thrilling 79-76 win at Madison Square Garden.
So how did our hometown NCAA Division 1 men’s basketball team get it done tonight (March 25)?
From an early statement dunk by Alijah Martin to four clutch free throws inside of the Elite Eight game’s final 30 seconds, FAU was laser focused all the way through.
Led by head coach Dusty May, the nation’s winningest team found a way to overcome a seven-point deficit in the second half to pull away for the historic win.
We are going to focus on highlight moments here. Let us start with the Martin dunk.
ALIJAH MARTIN RISES UP 😮#MarchMadness @FAUMBB pic.twitter.com/ETFfWCW7dc
— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) March 25, 2023
There were key contributions from several FAU players tonight. Here is another big moment.
Back-to-back buckets from the big man, Vlad Goldin!
— Florida Atlantic Men's Basketball (@FAUMBB) March 25, 2023
20-18 FAU, 11 minutes left in the 1st. pic.twitter.com/CmRfQdM2QJ
The entire first half was a back-and-forth affair.
VLAD THE IMPALER 🔨
— Florida Atlantic Men's Basketball (@FAUMBB) March 25, 2023
Goldin with a massive rejection on Nowell.
42-36 Owls with 19.8 to go in the 1st. pic.twitter.com/qA1Dv2FD8M
At halftime, FAU had a 42-38 lead over Kansas State.
On 🔝 after the first half!@martin_alijah 9 points, 4-6 FG@GoldinVlad 8 points, 8 rebounds, 2 blocks@Bgreenlee21 8 points, 2-4 FG
— Florida Atlantic Men's Basketball (@FAUMBB) March 25, 2023
FAU: shooting 53.6% (15-28) from the floor. pic.twitter.com/U3zTShjsrx
The second half was when FAU was at its best – especially in the game’s final 10 minutes.
FLORIDA ATLANTIC IS BACK IN FRONT 🔥#MarchMadness @FAUMBB pic.twitter.com/csoVKnqPfu
— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) March 26, 2023
Another big moment for Martin:
Alijah Martin. Remember the name. https://t.co/vv7nTBR26p
— Florida Atlantic Men's Basketball (@FAUMBB) March 26, 2023
Kansas State made a late push for a potential rally as Markqius Nowell (30 points, 12 assists, 3 rebounds) led his team to within one point on two occasions. Here is one of them.
Mike Forrest hits two free throws, but Kansas State answers with a bucket.
— Florida Atlantic Men's Basketball (@FAUMBB) March 26, 2023
FAU ball, up 77-76 with 8.6 left.
THIS IS MARCH.
After Forrest knocked down two free throws to give FAU a 79-96 lead over Kansas State, it was one possession left to decide this tilt.
Watch the ending for yourself right here.
THE SLIPPER STILL FITS 🦉@FAUMBB IS HEADED TO THE FINAL FOUR 🔥#MarchMadness pic.twitter.com/UdXbmj9NwG
— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) March 26, 2023
And with that, pandemonium set in for our hometown Owls.
The Final Four will be held at NRG Stadium in Houston on Saturday, April 1. FAU (East Region champion) will play the San Diego State-Creighton winner (South Region) in the national semifinal.
For now, it is time to celebrate the FAU Owls in style.
PHOTO CREDIT: FAU Men’s Basketball
VIDEO CREDITS: FAU Men’s Basketball and NCAA March Madness
